Brisbane

Brisbane is a lively, cosmopolitan city with excellent restaurants, beautiful riverside parks, a busy cultural calendar and a great nightlife. Its fantastic weather year-round has allowed outdoor activities to thrive and develop a vibrant café culture.

The city is surrounded by some of the state’s major tourist attractions, and there is an abundant choice of daytrips whether it be to the coast for the golden beaches, or inland for some of Queensland’s serene bushland, there is something for everybody.

The City

The capital of the “Sunshine State,” Brisbane, could very well be the world’s most laidback city: its residents are friendly and optimistic in a way rarely seen in big city life. But with such a fantastic lifestyle, who can blame them for smiling?

Brisbane has a world of experience to offer, from the hustle and bustle of the Central Business District (CBD), you can escape to the creative ambiance of the contemporary arts centre - The Brisbane Powerhouse in New Farm. Perhaps you’d prefer dinner with sights of the city at South Bank? Afterwards, if you’d like a stiff drink, head towards the trendy bars of Fortitude Valley and West End.

If you don’t dance the night away, you might be up early enough to watch the sun rise as you kayak on the Brisbane River. Or perhaps you’d prefer relaxing at Australia’s only inner city beach at South Bank. If you still have the energy, you can try rock climbing and take in the views of the Story Bridge and the city skyline from the Kangaroo Point Cliffs.

When you’re ready to relax, head down to Woolloongabba to enjoy some of the spectator sports that Queensland is famed for!

Do & See

If you don’t dance the night away, you might be up early enough to watch the sun rise as you kayak on the Brisbane River. Or perhaps you’d prefer relaxing at Australia’s only inner city beach at South Bank.

Tangalooma Island Resort

Underwater World and Dolphin Lagoon

Lone Pine Koala Sanctuary

Australia Zoo

Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary

Lamington National Park

The Gabba

Roma Street Parkland

Moreton Bay Escapes

Story Bridge Adventure Climb

Gallery Of Modern Art

Mount Coot-tha

The Brisbane Botanical Gardens

South Bank Parklands

XXXX Brewery Tour

Springbrook and Tamborine Rainforest Tour

Dining

One of the many highlights of any visit to Brisbane is experiencing the epicurean delights of the city’s different neighbourhoods. Brisbane is immeasurably proud of its reputation for fine dining, and within a ten minute radius of the town centre you can choose between the kitchens of European, Mediterranean, Asian or contemporary Australian restaurants.

Cru Bar

Julius Pizzeria

Cha Cha Char Wine Bar & Grill

Urbane Restaurant

Malt

Moda

Montrachet

Cafes

In Brisbane you will have many options of enjoying a great cup of coffee in the sun along with a sweet treat.

The Gun Shop Café

Marchetti Cafe

Scout Cafe

Bar Merlo

Sassafras

Bars & Nightlife

Brisbane is scattered with great pubs, you’ll realise this the moment you learn that most of the “hotels” which you see are actually drinking establishments. Beers are served in pots, schooners, pints and jugs and the beer taps in many bars will be specially chilled, causing the condensation to freeze on the outside. Most hotels are open 10.30 am - 3am, and the traditional “Sunday Session” runs from 11am to midnight.

Norman Hotel

The Beat Megaclub

Story Bridge Hotel

Breakfast Creek Hotel

Buffalo Bar

Lychee Lounge

Jade Buddha

The Bowery

Embassy Craft Beer Bar

Vue Lounge

Laruche

Shopping

Brisbane offers good shopping in fact there are more than 1000 stores, four vibrant precincts and the state’s largest collection of flagship stores. The city also boasts an array of hidden gems around every corner, from minor and fashion-forward stores to stylish arcades and luxury retailers. You will definitely find what you are looking for whether it is a famous international brand or a local designer brand.

The Queen Street Mall

QueensPlaza

Local Designers

Fortitude Valley

South Bank Lifestyle Markets

Farmers Markets

Brookside Shopping Centre

Woolloongabba Antique Centre

Le Creuset

The Vintage Watch Co.

The Myer Centre

Avid Reader Bookshop & Cafe

Essential Information

Passport/Visa

Unless you are a New Zealand citizen granted visa exemption on arrival (in most cases), you will need to obtain a visa prior to visiting Australia. Citizens of all European Union countries, as well as Andorra, Norway, Iceland, San Marino, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Monaco, and Vatican City are eligible for an eVisitor visa, which can be applied for online. For citizens of the United States, Canada, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Brunei, South Korea and Malaysia, the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) entry permit is available, which can be applied for online and grants holders the right to enter Australia an ulimited amount of times for stays of no longer than 3 months per visit.

Citizens of all other world countries (with the exception of Somalia) are also able to apply for a visitor visa online. For more information, visit the official website of the Australian government's department of home affairs: https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/lega/lega/form/immi-faqs/what-visa-do-i-need-to-visit-australia

Best Time To Visit

Since March to May are the autumn months in Australia, it is best to visit Brisbane during that time. You will avoid holiday crowds while still being able to enjoy the warm weather and a low chance of rain. Temperatures will generally be around 24 °C.

Airport

Brisbane Airport is located 13 km from the city centre (app. 15-20 min drive). Trains run every 30 minutes between 6 am and 8 pm. The journey takes 20 minutes and pre-booking is available.

Address: Airport Drive, Brisbane

Phone: +61 7 3406 3000

Website: www.bne.com.au

Public Transport

A free bus service runs around the City (CBD). Tickets for the TransLink network can be bought from vending machines. Weekly tickets are valid throughout South East Queensland. Buses are low floor, and Citytrain offer assistance with wheelchairs.

Phone: +61 13 12 30

Website: www.translink.com.au

Pharmacy

There are multiple Pharmacies and Chemists located in the immediate city centre as well as outside of Brisbane.

There are several Australia Post offices located all over the town, where stamps can be bought, and where mail and packages can be sent from.

Address: 261 Queen Street, Brisbane

Phone: +61 13 13 18

Taxi

Rates vary with the actual locations, traffic conditions, time of day and the route chosen. Save on fares by sharing a Maxi-taxi from special ranks in the CBD and in the Valley. Wheelchair accessible taxis are available. At night secure ranks operate in the CBD, the Valley and Caxton Street.